It doesn’t seem as if Maxence Lacroix will be leaving Crystal Palace for Chelsea anytime soon.
The UEFA Conference League winners recently made a move to sign Charlie Cresswell from Toulouse as a replacement for the France international, and talks had started over a deal for Jaydee Canvot’s former defensive partner – according to the Standard.
However, a story from Ouest-France now states that the former Leeds man has agreed to join Rennes, which suggests he has no interest in a move to Crystal Palace this summer.
How much is Maxence Lacroix worth? 🤔
The Frenchman still has three years left on his contract 📝
Charlie Cresswell agrees deal with Rennes
It seems Matt Hobbs and new Head Scout Alessandro Brito – who arrives from Botafogo – will have to go back to the drawing board.
We can presume that Cresswell was the preferred choice to replace Lacroix given how quickly Crystal Palace reached out to Toulouse, after Chelsea expressed interest in the Frenchman.
However, with the England U21 international clearly intent on staying in France, an alternative option will have to be pursued, so Chelsea can expect a lengthy delay when it comes to signing Lacroix.
Ecuador international Joel Ordonez is someone Hobbs may target after seeing a bid rejected for the South American in January, after Marc Guehi left for Manchester City.
Chelsea themselves could speed up the saga by putting Josh Acheampong on the table. The talented England U21 international was also the subject of interest from Crystal Palace in January after Guehi departed.
It remains to be seen who the Eagles turn to next, but Cresswell no longer looks to be on the cards.
Ouest-France add that Rennes still need to agree a fee with Toulouse, which might be difficult considering they are Ligue 1 rivals.
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Therefore, Crystal Palace could still have a chance, although Cresswell seems keen to extend his time in France having now agreed terms with Rennes.
